VOLUNTEERS have helped plant trees along the banks of a stream to help local wildlife.

A total of 70 trees were planted alongside Newhouse Burn, a small stream near Lanchester, to provide new habitats for wildlife and an improved food source for fish.

Late last year, The Wear Rivers Trust removed an old culvert on the stream, which would occasionally block and cause flooding, as well as creating a barrier to free fish movement.

Last week, five volunteers from Dreamcatcher Personal Skills Promotion, which works with disabled people, and day service manager Joanne Ewbank spent two hours planting trees on the riverbanks.

Joanne Ewbank said: “This was such a fantastic opportunity to plant trees that will flourish in Lanchester long after we are all gone.

“The service users gained a lot from the day not only enjoying the physical challenge of planting the trees but also the fact that they were helping improve the environment for the river wildlife”.

She said that the group planned to return to the site next year to check on the trees’ growth and were also considering holding walks in the area as part of their regular exercise sessions.

Lizzie Willows, Education and Community Engagement officer with the Wear Rivers Trust, said: “We had a great time with this volunteer group who were so cheerful and enthusiastic.

“We received some tremendous feedback and we plan to work with them on more practical tasks in the future.”

Anyone interested volunteering with the Wear Rivers Trust should contact Lizzie Willows on 01388 488867.